Last Reviewed 4th December 2025
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
Teeth Whitening Aftercare: How to Keep Your Smile Bright (Post-Treatment)
Congratulations on achieving a brighter smile with teeth whitening!
Teeth whitening can give you a brilliantly bright smile – but keeping it that way requires a bit of care. At Calm Dental in Bermondsey (London SE1), we guide you through simple aftercare steps so your results last. Here are our top tips to keep your smile shining after whitening.
At-Home Whitening Care Tips
Use as directed: Wear your whitening trays only for the recommended time. More is not better – overusing the gel can cause sensitivity.
After each session: Once you remove your trays, rinse and clean them, and avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 30 minutes.
In-Clinic Whitening Care Tips
Avoid stains: For 48 hours, stick to a “white diet.” Avoid anything that could stain (like coffee, tea, red wine or curry), and don’t smoke.
Brush gently: Keep up your normal brushing and flossing, but use a soft brush and gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste for a few days.
Watch What You Eat: The First 48 Hours
The first 24–48 hours after teeth whitening are the most critical for avoiding stains. During this time, your enamel is slightly more porous and can absorb pigments more easily. Dentists often recommend sticking to a “white diet” – in other words, consume only pale or colourless foods and clear drinks that won’t discolour your teeth.
For the first day or two, avoid any strongly coloured foods or beverages. Instead, opt for foods like plain chicken or turkey, white fish, pasta or rice (with white sauce), potatoes, bananas, cauliflower, and white cheeses. Drink water, plain milk, or other clear liquids. If you need something with flavour, choose light-coloured options and consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if a food or drink would stain a white shirt, it can stain your teeth. In fact, “if it can stain a white shirt, it will stain your teeth”, so stick to that guideline for a couple of days.
After 48 hours, you can gradually reintroduce your normal diet. However, it’s wise to continue being mindful of very dark or acidic items even beyond the first two days. Whenever you do enjoy things like coffee, tea, red wine, or berries in the future, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush after about 30 minutes. This helps reduce any staining potential.
Avoid Tobacco
If you smoke or use tobacco, now is a great time to take a break – at least for a few days after whitening (if not longer). Smoking can quickly yellow your freshly whitened teeth, defeating the purpose of the treatment. Tobacco (including chewing tobacco) is one of the biggest culprits in staining teeth and can cause dark blotchy stains that are hard to remove. For the sake of your smile (and overall health), it’s best to avoid cigarettes and tobacco products entirely in the immediate post-whitening period. In fact, try to use your bright smile as motivation to cut down or quit – your teeth and gums will thank you!
Managing Sensitivity
It’s common to experience some tooth sensitivity after whitening. You might notice twinges when consuming cold drinks or even breathing in cool air – this is normal and usually temporary. Whitening can cause the enamel to become slightly dehydrated and the dentin exposed, leading to short-term sensitivity. Here’s how to manage it:
Use sensitive teeth products: Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste (like Sensodyne or any fluoride toothpaste formulated for sensitivity) for a week or two. These toothpastes contain ingredients that help block the sensation from reaching the nerve of the tooth, easing the discomfort.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Steer clear of very cold or very hot foods and drinks for the first day or two. For example, let your coffee or tea cool down a bit, and don’t add ice to drinks for now.
Over-the-counter pain relief: If your teeth are especially sensitive or achy, you can take a mild pain reliever (like ibuprofen or paracetamol) to help.
Remember, tooth sensitivity after whitening is usually temporary and a sign that the treatment is working on those enamel pores. With proper care, you’ll be back to normal in no time, and enjoying your sparkling smile.
Long-Term Smile Maintenance
Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on your habits. To make the most of your whitening and keep your smile bright for as long as possible, follow these long-term maintenance tips:
Practice good oral hygiene consistently: Keep brushing twice daily and flossing once a day, as a clean mouth prevents stain buildup. Over time, surface stains from foods/drinks can accumulate, but regular brushing and flossing will minimize this. You may use a whitening toothpaste a few times a week to gently polish away minor stains – just ensure it has fluoride and isn’t overly abrasive. And remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when bristles fray.
Be mindful of staining foods and drinks: You don’t have to avoid coffee, tea, red wine, curry, soy sauce, or berries forever – but moderation is key. Try to consume dark-colored drinks in one sitting (rather than sipping for hours) and rinse with water afterward. Using a straw for iced coffees, teas, or sodas can bypass the front teeth and reduce staining exposure.
Limit acidic and sugary treats: Acidic beverages (like sodas or citrus juices) and sugary snacks can erode enamel and make it easier for pigments to stick. Try to cut down on these, or have them with meals instead of on their own. If you do indulge, rinse afterward and avoid brushing immediately on acid-softened enamel. Keeping your enamel strong will keep your teeth whiter and healthier.
Schedule regular dental cleanings: Don’t skip your 6-month dental visits. At these appointments, the dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and surface stains you might have missed. Professional polishing can often lift minor yellowing, instantly refreshing your smile. It’s like a tune-up for your whitening – plus, your dental team can check that your teeth and gums remain in good shape.
Use touch-up treatments as advised: Many people choose to do occasional whitening top-ups to maintain their brightness. If you received custom whitening trays for at-home use, your dentist may supply you with additional whitening gel to use for a day or two every few months. Follow your dentist’s instructions on if and when to do at-home touch-ups. Do not overdo whitening treatments – bleaching too often or for longer than recommended can damage your enamel and cause permanent sensitivity. As a rule of thumb, whitening every 6–12 months is usually sufficient for maintenance. Always consult with your dentist before doing more whitening; they will guide you on a safe schedule that keeps your teeth healthy.
By maintaining a tooth-friendly lifestyle and hygiene routine, you’ll extend the life of your whitening results. Even when your teeth eventually start to lose a bit of the post-treatment gleam (which is natural over time), they will still be lighter than they were originally. And you’ll always have the option of a professional touch-up down the road.
Visit Calm Dental – Your Dental Clinic in Bermondsey
At Calm Dental, we welcome patients from Bermondsey, Southwark and the SE1 area for gentle, expert dental care. Our team will ensure your comfort during every visit, whether you’re coming in for a whitening treatment, routine check-up, or any other service.
We offer friendly support, flexible appointments, and a calm environment tailored to your needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth whitening aftercare (or about improving your smile in general), we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental team – we’re dedicated to helping you enjoy a healthy, confident smile for life.
Enjoy your bright new smile, and remember: a little aftercare goes a long way!
With the tips outlined above and the support of our Calm Dental team, you can keep your teeth shining and beautiful well into the future. Here’s to your radiant smile – keep it glowing!
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